League Operators
Browse the current roster of Midwest Tournament Association operators and find trusted partners serving players in your area.
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About Midwest Tournament Association
Discover the operators, partners, and invited leaders who help us deliver premier pool and dart experiences across the Midwest.
Explore our operator directory or submit your organization for consideration to join the lineup.
Become an Operator
Ready to join the network? Submit a request to be an invited operator and learn what it takes to support leagues in our region.
Request InvitationWho We Are
Since 1969, the Midwest Tournament Association has united players across the heartland to celebrate competition, community, and the love of the game. What began as a way for operators to support taverns and promote play on operator-owned equipment has grown into one of the longest-running and most respected tournament organizations in the country.
Today, the Midwest is more than just tournaments. It is a gathering place, a tradition, and a reunion for players who share a passion for pool, darts, and good sportsmanship. With more than 150 tables and 130 dart boards in play and thousands of competitors through the decades, the Association continues to honor its roots while growing stronger every year. From our board of directors to our on-site crew, many staff members have served as national officials, head referees, and tournament leaders for the NDA and VNEA—shaping both games into what they are today.
Our History
Tap through each era of the Midwest Tournament Association to see how the players, venues, and championships evolved.
1969
A group of coin operators from Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri formed the Midwest Tournament Association. Their goal was to promote pool, increase tavern revenue, and protect operator-owned equipment.
- Tournament packets cost $120
- Each bar hosted 8 weekly tournaments
- Winners advanced to a Regional Grand Finale
- At its peak, 150–200 players competed in these singles-only events.
1970–1972: The Tri-State Era
- 1970 – The first Tri-State 8-Ball Tournament was held in Carroll, IA, hosted by Kelly Goins of Kelly Coin. Replay Magazine later called it “the longest running tournament of its kind.”
- 1971 – The 2nd annual event took place at the Omaha Hilton. First prize: a 1971 Ford Torino 500 driven out of the ballroom by winner Gordy Peterson.
- 1972 – The Midwest 8-Ball Championships began a 12-year run at Peony Park in Omaha, packing 24 tables into the ballroom and featuring exhibitions by Willie Mosconi.
1974–1986: Expansion Years
- 1974–1976 – Foosball and pinball tournaments were added using the weekly qualifier format.
- Early 1980s – Local team leagues were forming as VNEA began nationally.
- 1983–1984 – The first Midwest Team Pool Championships were held at Peony Park. JuJo’s team won the first two titles.
- 1985 – Midwest Dart Championships launched, growing quickly from singles to round robin team events. Starting with around 150 players.
- 1985 – Officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
1985–2015: Growth and Legacy
- 1985–1992 – 8-ball Championships moved to the Holiday Inn in Omaha with 40 tables, combining team and singles into double elimination.
- 1993–2015 – The pool tournament rotated venues, including State Fair Park, Sioux City Convention Center, and Pershing Center in Lincoln. These events required 120 tables and hosted 1,400 players plus spectators. The Dart tournament also rotated venues from Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City, and Sioux Falls.
- 1994 – Singles qualifier retired on the pool side. Teams and singles paid entry fees, with eligibility tied to league play. Skill divisions were introduced.
- 2005 – The Midwest Pool Hall of Fame was created, honoring more than 80 members since.
- 2005–2007 – Championship rings valued at $300 were awarded to singles champions.
- 2013- The Midwest Pool Championships started running online via the Compusport App.
- 2014- The Midwest Pool Championships started running online via the Compusport app
2016–Today: A New Chapter
- 2016 – The 50th Midwest Pool Tournament was held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.
- 2020 – Tournament canceled for the first time due to Covid-19.
- 2021–Present – Our pool tournament moved to the Sioux City Expo Center, now featuring 150+ tables to keep pace with growth and efficiency.
- 2020 – Pool Tournament canceled for the first time due to Covid-19.
- 2023 and 2024– Both years saw the Dart tournament hosted at the Ramkota in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With a payout pool going over $95,000.
Our Legacy
For more than five decades, the Midwest Tournament Association has stood for:
- Promoting play on operator-owned equipment.
- Providing opportunities for players of every skill level.
- Building a community that feels like family.
From small taverns to massive venues, the Midwest Tournament remains a tradition that players do not want to miss.
Join the Legacy
Whether you are lining up your first 8-ball break, aiming for a bullseye, or chasing regional glory, there is a place for you here. Visit our League Operating Members page to connect with operators in your area and get registration details.
For partnership or sponsorship opportunities, contact our team at midwestassoc@gmail.com.